Explorer Entity Hadrizahens had never been a patron at any sort of cantina or bar before; his old occupation did not allow for very much free time. Helping to run a trading post that was mostly operational during daylight hours and partially operational during a nocturnal cycle meant that he was required to be on standby at all times. The location of the trading post also put a damper on any of the residents' abilities to relax in a lounge. There was none around for miles, and Merchant Entity Taudi did not possess a transportation vehicle of their own. Hadrizahens was also under the impression that there was no true need for a mechanical lifeform to partake in the usual bar activities that other organic species would. For that reason, Hadrizahens was surprised when he saw several Korvax reposing around when he and Traveller Entity Theus entered the bar. Some stood, engaged in conversation with one another or with a different species beside the large window that opened out to the galaxy beyond. Others rested at the small tables, or on the padded benches and seats along the circular wall. Some even seemed to be holding drinks in their hands, adding to the constant murmur and clattering sounds that permeated through the bar constantly. They, like the other patrons of the establishment, paid Hadrizahens very little mind, which was for the best. They would not see the young Korvax staring at them in confused fascination for their odd behavior. It did occur to Hadrizahens that Korvax that were further away from the reaches of Korvax society, or ones that held designations that were not as esteemed, were more prone to relaxing their social protocols. He just didn't think he would see an example of this in his own home solar system.
There was very little time for Hadrizahens to gawk at the other Korvax, though. The Traveller was already approaching the circular bar in the center of the room where yet another Korvax Entity was busying themselves with polishing a small stack of crystal glasses with a clean cloth. The Entity held up a glass to inspect it carefully in the pale white light provided by the ring of fluorescent bulbs that curved around parallel to the bar, clearly pleased with the way the structure of the glass reflected the light. It was then that the Bartender Entity saw the two figures approaching their bar from the darkened room. It was the Bartender Entity's job to tend to the needs of their patrons, and even with the bar as surprisingly packed as it was, they were not interested in slacking now.
"Welcome to the Rigusu-Ril Pub, Stranger-Entity. What can this Entity get started for you?" the Bartender Entity asked while setting down the glass gently on the counter, giving the two newcomers the undivided attention of a good host. Their visor lit up and blinked a few times as they briefly scanned Hadrizahens and the Traveller, gathering a very base level of information about the two of them. Hadrizahens saw the Bartender Entity look towards him and give a short nod, which Hadrizahens returned with a bow of his own head; a simple acknowledgement of their ties as the same species. A formality at most.
"Whatever is popular this shift." Traveller Entity Theus said while leaning against the bar surface. "...Without gamma weed or urchin sac venom."
"Understood…" The bartender said, their visor lingering on the Traveller for a moment longer. There was clear intrigue behind the gaze of the Bartender Entity as a result of the odd request, but the Korvax still took up a glass to fulfill the order. The Bartender poured out a generous amount of a clear, green liquid into the glass from one of the tanks suspended above the bar, then mixed a generous spoonful of a blue crystal into the liquid which made it begin to bubble violently. Before the drink could spill over onto the counter, the Korvax added a metallic cube and some drops of a red liquid from a small decanter to the concoction. The bubbles in the drink settled into a gentle fizz as the liquid turned a semi-opaque purple. The metallic cube dissolved quickly into the liquid as soon as the color stopped shifting and the bartender passed the drink across the bar. Hadrizahens stared in awe at the drink while Traveller Entity Theus traded payment for it. It seemed impossible that the Traveller possessed the ability to process and break down all of the components that went into the beverage, but the Traveller showed no signs of hesitation or concern. Organic lifeforms were truly fascinating.
"Anything for you, Korvax Entity?" The Bartender Entity asked, startling Hadrizahens.
"Oh… No. Negative." Hadrizahens managed to politely stammer. He didn't even know what he would be able to order, and he didn't feel like making a fool of himself by asking.
"You don't want anything?" Traveller Entity Theus asked, inclining his helmetted head towards Hadrizahens.
Hadrizahens shook his head quickly. "No. I am fine."
"Is it money? I will pay…" The Traveller pressed further.
Growing increasingly more embarrassed with his own lack of knowledge about bars and what a lifeform like himself might be able to order, Hadrizahens stood firmly in his adamance. There was a chance that he would enjoy ordering something, especially from a Korvax bartender that surely dealt with Korvax orders for their entire shift. This station was in Korvax colonized space, after all. But he had no interest in admitting to his own ignorance. Not in front of a Traveller, at least.
"...I will order something for you anyway." Traveller Entity Theus finally said, turning back to the bartender before Hadrizahens could process what had just happened, much less stop the Traveller from fussing over him. "A carbon cartridge for my friend, please."
"Affirmative." The Korvax Bartender nodded politely and pulled a container no larger than the size of one of the glasses used at the bar. Hadrizahens identified it as a container of condensed carbon material, though from what source he could not know. Not that it mattered. Once carbon was processed to fit inside a cartridge such as one of these, the source was unrecognizable. The carbon-based fuel within was enough to recharge a multi-tool, weapon, small exocraft, or a worn out mechanical lifeform. One that had neglected to take a complete recharge for quite some time in favor of going on an insane adventure with a complete stranger who also happened to be a venerated deity. Sheepishly, Hadrizahens took the cartridge once it was paid for by the Traveller. It would be irresponsible of him to turn it away, and his energy cores were depleted. Thankfully, his systems had not yet gone into an energy saving mode. As embarrassing as it was to have a Traveller paying for his fuel, it would be even more embarrassing if he went into a system shutdown and had to be dragged off for a recharge.
"Was there anything else Korvax Entity might be able to assist with?" The Korvax Bartender Entity asked, as was polite since their transactions had drawn to a close.
"Actually…" Traveller Entity Theus said slowly, leaning against the bar and lowering his voice. The Bartender Entity did not appear to be pleased to see the Traveller acting so conspiratorially, but they complied and leaned in closer. Clearly, they were not unused to trading secrets with patrons, even if Hadrizahens was. The young Korvax was shocked to see the sudden change in the Traveller's demeanor. He was not aware that they were participating in anything that might require secrecy. Though his behavior within the last few days might say otherwise, Hadrizahens was not used to breaking rules or sneaking around.
"We are searching for someone. A Gek… botanist." Traveller Entity Theus said in a lowered tone, pausing to remember the word he had just recently learned in Korvax. He seemed pleased with his retention, but no one congratulated him so he continued explaining. "Rumlisa? Do you know the name?"
The Korvax bartender let out a mechanical huff of indignation, shaking their head as their visor light flashed to an angry yellow color. The response surprised both Hadrizahens and the Traveller Entity, who stood up quickly to give the bartender more space should they become physically hostile as well.
"Affirmative. I do know the name. The Gek has been here, but not for some time. This information has been relayed to the others as well, so please cease from asking." The bartender barked angrily. Hadrizahens and Traveller Entity Theus exchanged looks, and Hadrizahens could tell that the Traveller and himself were thinking the same thing.
"Others?" Traveller Entity Theus inquired.
"Oh, they are not associates of yours? Perplexing…" The Bartender Entity stared at the Traveller, their light fading back to the neutral blue color once they sensed the truth behind their patron's confusion. "The Stranger-Entity is not the first to ask of the Gek this rotation."
"Who else has asked?" Traveller Entity Theus pressed, leaning in closer to the bar once again. Hadrizahens joined him this time, understanding the abnormality of the situation. Who else would be inquiring about a Gek Botanist Entity, and why would that upset a bartender?
"Information request denied. The Entities in question might be displeased with their information disclosed to Stranger Entities." The Bartender stated simply. The half-sigh of disappointment from Traveller Entity Theus was not missed. "This is a bar at a space station running within Galactic Federation parameters, not a slum in unregulated space. There will be no incidents here. Security has never removed an expired organism from this establishment. It will stay that way."
Hadrizahens watched the Traveller stare at the bartender for a moment longer, almost starting to worry that the Traveller might try to keep pressing for information. In Hadrizahens' mind, there was little reason to incite violence over a botanist. Even one shrouded in such mystery and illogicality. Thankfully, Traveller Entity Theus conceded.
"Thank you for your time." Traveller Entity Theus said, perhaps more curtly than he had intended to, as he turned and nodded his head to Hadrizahens to follow.
"Stranger-Entity…!" The Bartender called out to the Traveller one last time. Both Hadrizahens and the Traveller paused to look back at the bartender curiously.
"...You have been informed about the Entities because they are not currently here in this establishment. Though they do usually show up every cycle. Use that information as you like." The Bartender stated simply without looking up from their new task of polishing the bartop.
Hadrizahens met the Traveller's momentary glance but kept watching the organic life form as he looked back towards the bartender. Though the Traveller lacked a central processor, gears, or coolant systems, Hadrizahens could still tell that he was contemplating the new information deeply. Though it was odd, Hadrizahens thought it was all very straightforward. They weren't the only ones searching for this mysterious Gek botanist. Unfortunately, their information would suggest that the other Entities were not as amicable as Hadrizahens and the Traveller were. So what was the Traveller pondering, Hadrizahens wondered.
"We will find a table…" Traveller Entity Theus suddenly stated, causing Hadrizahens to start in surprise. He had been lost in his own ponderings about the Traveller's ponderings and had not noticed that the Traveller was done pondering… goodness. He needed to stay more alert. He matched the Traveller's stride as he was led to a small table located close to the window in the bar. The Traveller sat with his back to the window, which Hadrizahens thought was a shame. The Traveller would miss out on the view of the asteroids lazily dancing in the weightless vacuum outside, the light from the local star casting shadows on their pocked surfaces as the gravity field of the Rigusu-Ril station kept any migrating bodies from straying too close… but Hadrizahens supposed that the Traveller had more on his mind than the whimsical view. Hadrizahens himself found it difficult to focus fully on the scenery, but he couldn't completely pull himself away from staring out into the infinite…
"...I am sorry for ordering you something." Traveller Entity Theus said, pulling Hadrizahens' thoughts back inside the Rigusu-Ril station. "We will appear suspicious if we do not have a reason to be here."
"Understood." Hadrizahens said. The initial embarrassment of being put under pressure for an order had passed, and Hadrizahens' processor was focused on other things now. "...I am past due for a recharge. Your gesture is appreciated."
"Good." The Traveller nodded encouragingly at Hadrizahens before his attention waned and he began to look around the bar at all of the patrons carefully in turn.
"...What about the Traveller Entity?" Hadrizahens asked slowly.
Traveller Entity Theus did not look in Hadrizahens' direction, but he still sounded engaged in the conversation. Either the Traveller was interested in speaking with Hadrizahens, or it was providing him with a good cover for his continued survey. "What about me?"
"Do you require a recharge?" Hadrizahens inquired further. It had occurred to him that he had not seen the Traveller take in any form of energy as of yet. He did not know anything about Traveller Entity Theus's species, or how they convert substance into energy, or in fact what substance they would require. There were several explanations that might make sense; The Traveller might be a filter feeder of some sort, or perhaps he possessed chloroplasts for photosynthesis, but Hadrizahens could not know for sure. The exosuit that the Traveller wore was too complex for Hadrizahens to scan through quickly, so the genetic makeup of the Traveller remained a complete mystery.
"No. This exosuit regulates me enough." Traveller Entity Theus said reassuringly.
"Has the exosuit been recharged?"
"There is no need to worry. I promise." The Traveller spoke firmly. Hadrizahens had no choice but to relinquish his line of questioning. He was not convinced that Traveller Entity Theus was telling him the full truth, but there was no arguing that they had bigger things to worry about. Such as why a group of shady bar characters were on the trail of a Gek botanist, and when they might happen to show up at the bar.
"We might be here for a while…" Traveller Entity Theus spoke again, staring at the door. Hadrizahens now knew why the Traveller had chosen the seat on the table that he had.
"How long will we wait?" Hadrizahens asked, hoping for some sort of estimate. As he joined the Traveller in glancing around the bar, he became more aware of how out of place he was.
"...I cannot say." The Traveller admitted with a sigh, settling into the chair. He held his drink in both hands and stared into the glass pensively. "...Not for too long. We will not waste our time on a small lead."
Hadrizahens nodded slowly to show his understanding, but wished that he had received a more concise answer. He understood that it would be difficult to predict just how long they would have to wait for entities that they did not even know, but he was starting to feel as though he was unwelcome. A little outpost assistant like himself had no place in a space station bar.
"Do not worry so much." Traveller Entity Theus commented quietly. "No one here is paying attention to you. They have their own thoughts and worries."
Hadrizahens followed the Traveller's gesture around the bar. Sure enough, not a single one of the lifeforms were giving either of them any attention. They were too engulfed in conversation with their companions, or with whatever remnants of work they were going through on datapads, or nursing their drinks distantly over concerns that Hadrizahens could not begin to guess. They had anonymity here, which felt comforting in a way. None of the patrons would ever know that Hadrizahens and the Traveller Entity were looking for a mysteriously disappeared creature.
"I am going to ask around for information." Traveller Entity Theus suddenly stated.
Hadrizahens stammered in shock as he watched the Traveller get to his feet, clutching his drink with a confidence that Hadrizahens did not agree was warranted. "What-...? No, disengage…! This is not a rational action to take…!"
"Why not?" The Traveller asked with a playful tone that made Hadrizahens' wires almost squirm with frustrated concern. The Traveller should clearly know better, and to ask Hadrizahens to explain why not was bordering on patronizing.
"We have already confirmed that our quarry is not currently located within this establishment. Inquiring with other Entities will result in increased suspicion, not in gathering necessary information." Hadrizahens hissed. He was even more displeased to see that something about his response had amused Traveller Entity Theus, as his body language had become very relaxed. Hadrizahens would have sworn he heard the breath of a laugh from the Traveller as well.
"Do you trust me?" The Traveller suddenly asked, not taking his attention off of Hadrizahens.
The young Korvax was taken aback by the question. He did not want to become derailed from his argument, but there was something very genuine in the tone of Traveller Entity Theus's voice that almost begged Hadrizahens for an answer. "...Affirmative. I trust the Traveller Enti-"
Traveller Entity Theus cut Hadrizahens off quickly with a wave of his hand. It was abrupt, but not impatient. "No. Not as a Traveller Entity. As a standard Entity. As a companion."
Hadrizahens felt his inner circuits start to heat up at such an informal insinuation. To think of the Traveller as anything so close as an equal was inconceivable. They were not equals, and a Traveller of The Atlas should know this by nature, and yet there was nothing within the Traveller's inquiry that would insinuate some sort of test. Hadrizahens felt as though denying the Traveller's status as a higher being was not the response the Traveller wanted to hear. But the alternative was… inappropriate. Bordering on heresy, certainly. Perhaps Hadrizahens had become familiar with the Traveller in the short time that they had spent together already, but he certainly was not yet THAT familiar.
"This is a paradoxical inquiry." Hadrizahens answered plainly, as of yet, unsure how to respond. He was not surprised to see the Traveller's displeasure with his response, but it was still hard to see.
"No. It is not a paradox. You refuse to answer." Traveller Entity Theus said, knowing he was right. Hadrizahens looked away. He did not want to feel the disappointment in the Traveller's gaze. "This is not about belief. If I were no Traveller, would you trust me?"
Knowing he had no choice, Hadrizahens had to entertain the improbable scenario. The light on his visor powered down as he dedicated his processor power to calculating the correct response mathematically. If he must answer the inane question, he would do so with a proper and respectable response. Would Hadrizahens trust Traveller Entity Theus if he were just Entity Theus? Accounting for all variables, would Hadrizahens have even left his home with a random stranger-entity in the first place?
No, simply put, he would not. There had been other visitors to Outpost Rugo-395, and none of them had asked Hadrizahens to go with them to see the stars. But, then again, the Traveller had not asked Hadrizahens. Hadrizahens had been the one to ask. But that was because Entity Theus was not just Entity Theus, but Traveller Entity Theus. Surely, Hadrizahens would not have gone with a stranger otherwise. A stranger would not have had the knowledge of the Sentinels that Traveller Entity Theus had. A stranger would not have had the same pull towards the unknown and unexplored that Hadrizahens longed for. A stranger would not have convinced Hadrizahens that he was better off leaving behind everything he knew. And yet, the more he processed these statistics, the more he realized their irrelevance to the question. He was calculating the incorrect theoretical scenario. If the only thing that was different in the series of events that Hadrizahens had experienced thus far was that Traveller Entity Theus was not a Traveller, would he trust him? Would he trust this lifeform that had saved his life without a single question from a rogue Sentinel attack? Would he trust this lifeform that had looked his way at the trading outpost when most other species know not to bother with associate help? Would he trust this lifeform that had bothered to commit his designation to memory? It seemed illogical, but Hadrizahens had his answer.
"...Yes. I would." Hadrizahens replied finally, looking back up at the Traveller. He was filled with a hesitant awe for the Traveller. Not only had the organic lifeform convinced Hadrizahens to forgo his religious thought, but he had made a distinct impression on the young Korvax. Hadrizahens realized that there was something inherently good about this creature outside of their status. It had not occurred to Hadrizahens fully until this moment because he was too focused on the flawlessness of a Traveller Entity. He had assumed that Traveller Entity Theus knew truths about the universe that Hadrizahens could only dream of, but it had not occurred to him that the Traveller was simply… good.
"Good." Traveller Entity Theus said with a tone in his voice that heated Hadrizahens' circuits even further. The warmth was invigorating, and he knew that he had gained favor with the Traveller, but on a more personal level. He was unsure if that was a good sign, but the way the Traveller had spoken as though he had given Hadrizahens the highest of compliments made up for it for the informality for the time being. "I will need you to trust in my judgement now."
Hadrizahens had nearly forgotten why this entire revelation had taken place to begin with, and gave Traveller Entity Theus as concerned of a look that a Korvax could manage. "...You are going to investigate? What will I do?"
"You can sit here." Traveller Entity Theus said, gesturing to the table and then to the wide-open window. The expanse of space threatened to pull Hadrizahens back into his digital daydreams of exploration as soon as he glanced towards it once more, but he managed to pull himself away. "Relax. Recharge yourself. Look out the window. You seem to like it."
Hadrizahens felt his internal temperature rising once again. The Traveller had noticed him staring aimlessly out of the window? How embarrassing. Would he truly get no break to cool down fully? "Are you patronizing me?"
"No-!" The Traveller backpedaled quickly. Hadrizahens had not expected to catch him so off guard, but he wasn't upset to see the Traveller share in the misery of self-consciousness. "No… I just-... You are tired, and you are kind. These entities are strangers. I prefer to be the center of their rage if questioning angers them, not you."
Hadrizahens found himself feeling oddly touched by the gesture. In truth, Hadrizahens had no real interest in questioning random bar patrons. Years of functioning as a background member of an outpost staff had not helped him to keep up his interpersonal skills, especially not with so many assorted lifeforms. He knew the appropriate formalities between species, but he was not confident enough to walk around a bar to speak with potentially inebriated aliens that were much larger and stronger than he was. He did not like the idea of the Traveller Entity risking the same possibility, but at least the Traveller was much more physically capable than Hadrizahens was. And, of course, Traveller Entity Theus did have the Atlas's favor on his side. If anyone dared to confront a Traveller, the wrath of the Atlas would surely protect Theus. Surely.
"I will stay…" Hadrizahens conceded with a very small sigh.
"Good." Traveller Entity Theus was pleased once again, though this time there was more relief in his voice. The Traveller reached into the large storage compartment attached to his jetpack and produced a datapad. It was worn, scratched, and well used, but appeared to be perfectly functional aside. He set it on the table in front of Hadrizahens carefully. "This is for you. You will not be interrupted as readily if you appear busy."
Trying his best to not appear or sound as grateful as he truly felt to have the perfect excuse to avoid conversations with strangers, Hadrizahens took the datapad and activated the screen. "Thank you."
"Look through the local systems to see if there is any place you might like to visit while I am gone, if you like." Traveller Entity Theus said with a very clear smile in his voice before departing to interrogate the patrons, confident that his new robotic companion would be thrilled by this opportunity for exploration.
Traveller Entity Theus was more correct than even he himself knew.
